Athens’ many annual events include festivals, parades, fundraisers, sporting events, craft markets and cultural celebrations among other things. Here are some long-standing favorites to look forward to each year. Check Flagpole’s weekly calendar in print and at flagpole.com for a comprehensive community events roundup.
Athens Film Festival | Aug. 15–17, 2024 | Inaugural community-focused festival with 80 films screened at four venues, workshops and networking parties. athensfilm.com
Groovy Nights | September 2024 | Get your groove on with Project Safe for a ‘70s vs. ‘80s lip sync battle at the VFW. project-safe.org
UGA Home Football Games 2024 | Dawg fans fill the stadium and overflow to occupy every nearby space with a TV and a tap. Sept. 7 Tennessee Tech • Oct. 5 Auburn • Oct. 12 Mississippi State • Nov. 2 Florida • Nov. 16 Tennessee • Nov. 23 UMass • Nov. 29 Georgia Tech. georgiadogs.com
LatinxFest | Sept. 14, 2024 | Celebrate with the local Latinx community during National Hispanic Heritage Month with music, food and more. latinxfestath.com
Pride Fest | Sept. 14, 2024 | Welcoming and inclusive to all, this LGBTQIA+ community celebration with live music also highlights local resources and activities. athenspride.org
North Georgia Folk Festival | Sept. 28, 2024 | Enjoy a day of folk music and local artisans and crafters at sprawling Sandy Creek Park. athensfolk.org
Boo-le-Bark on the Boulevard | Oct. 20, 2024 | Rain or shine, show off your pup’s best Halloween attire. barkonboulevard.com
PorchFest | Oct. 20, 2024 | The Athens music scene kicks up on front porches all over Athens’ walkable intown neighborhoods for a tuneful afternoon/evening ramble. historicathens.com
Wild Rumpus Parade and Spectacle | Oct. 26, 2024 | Show off your best costume by joining in the parade march or cheering on the side. Kids events, music and more. wildrumpus.org
AthHalf | Nov. 2–3, 2024 | AthFest Educates’ half-marathon and 5K highlights live music along its meandering course through Athens and the UGA campus. athhalf.com
Downtown Parade of Lights | Dec. 5, 2024 | Floats, marching bands and Santa Claus make their way through downtown and wind up at City Hall for a tree-lighting ceremony. athensclarkecounty.com
Indie South Fair | Dec. 14–15, 2024 | This large outdoor market of handcrafted and functional art has several other events throughout the year. theindiesouth.com
MLK Day Parade and Music Fest | Jan. 20, 2025 | The festival and the parade through downtown are sponsored by the Athens Anti-discrimination Movement and include music, dance, speeches and vendors. aadmovement.org
Dancing with the Athens Stars | March 2025 | Local celebrities work hard with their paired dancers for Project Safe at the Classic Center. project-safe.org
Fluke Mini-Comics and Zine Festival | March 2025 | Comic and zine creators (lots of them) get together annually to share and sell their stuff at the 40 Watt Club. flukeathens.com
Boybutante Ball | April 2025 | A glamorous tradition at the 40 Watt features drag queens and kings raising funds for the Boybutante AIDS Foundation. boybutante.org
International Street Festival | Apr. 5, 2025 | Student and community groups present a day of music, art, food and more to showcase cultures from around the world. isl.uga.edu
Athens Beer Fest | Apr. 6, 2025 | Enthusiasts sample craft beer from Athens and around the region at this event carrying on the legacy of the original Classic City Brew Fest. classiccenter.com/Athens-Beer-Fest
G-Day Game | Apr. 12, 2025 | UGA’s free spring scrimmage provides fans a first look at next year’s football team. georgiadogs.com
Twilight Criterium | Apr. 25–26, 2025 | This world-class bicycle race draws thousands downtown and includes lots of associated activities. athenstwilight.com
Winterville Marigold Festival | May 2025 | Music, food, arts and a day of fun for all ages in a quirky, cool pocket of Clarke County. marigoldfestival.com
Indie South Fair | May 4–5, 2025 | This large outdoor market of handcrafted and functional art has several other events throughout the year. theindiesouth.com
Hot Corner Celebration and Soul Food Festival | June 2025 | Music, food and fellowship at Hull and Washington streets downtown, celebrating local Black culture and commerce. hotcornerathens.weebly.com
Pride Parade | June 2025 | Taking place in the streets of downtown Athens, this celebration will return with floats, music, vendors and food. athenspride.org/parade
AthFest Music and Arts Festival | June 20–22, 2025 | Local and regional bands play the free outdoor stages located in downtown Athens. There’s also an artist market, kids activities, food and drink and more. athfest.com
Star-Spangled Classic | June 28, 2025 | Celebrate American independence with a fireworks display launched from a location to be announced. accgov.com
